US Congress recognises holy month of Ramadan

Published: Thursday, October 4, 2007, 11:38 [IST]

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Washington, Oct 4: The US House of Representatives has adopted by a vote of 376-0, a resolution recognising the muslim holy month of Ramadan and expressing the deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world.

The resolution acknowledging importance of the muslims in America, the first of its kind, was introduced by Texas Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson and co-sponsored by 30 legislators, including Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Ellison is the first Muslim to be elected to the US Congress.

California's Brad Sherman, who strongly supported the bill, said ''the observance of Ramadan requires devotion to faith, community and family, truly universal values we all share.'' He said it was 'appropriate and necessary' for the US Congress to recognise the observance to express the deep respect we all feel for Muslims in the United States and around the world.

The resolution reiterates support for American muslims in the face of hate crimes, and maintains a strong stand against intolerance. ''May Ramadan this year truly be a time when muslims and people of all faiths embrace freedom and tolerance for all, and reject violence and extremism,'' said Texas Representative Ted Poe.

Executive Director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council Salam Al-Marayati said, ''It's definitely a milestone for America and a positive reinforcement for the tradition of religious pluralism in our country,'' which has been a haven for diverse religious minorities. ''It's a sign of reassurance and a sign of inclusion and a sign of social harmony, and people are very pleased with the resolution for having accomplished these things.''